Degree of conversion of polymer-matrix composite assessed by FTIR analysis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The behavior of polymer-matrix composite is dependent on the degree of conversion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion of two resin cements following storage at 37°C immediately, 24 and 48 hours, and 7 days after light-curing by FTIR analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The specimens were made in a metallic mold and cured with blue LED with power density of 500 mW/ cm(2) for 30 seconds. The specimens were pulverized, pressed with KBr and analyzed with FTIR following storage times. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED ANOVA (two-way) and Tukey's post hoc. RESULTS To the polymer-matrix composites between 24 and 48 hours does not show a significant increase (p > 0.05), however, the highest values were found after 7 days. CONCLUSION The polymer-matrix composites used in this study showed similarity on the degree of conversion and increased of according to the time of storage.